Kenya Entry Requirements: The eTA, Explained Simply
You need one thing before you fly: an approved Kenya eTA. Kenya replaced visas with an online Electronic Travel Authorization in 2024 — there is no visa on arrival, so if you are not approved before you board, you can be turned away at your home airport. Here is exactly how it works, and how to avoid the one mistake that catches first-timers.
What the eTA is
- An online travel approval required for almost every non-Kenyan visitor — including infants and children
- Applied for and paid online before you travel; no in-person embassy visit
- Valid for travel within 90 days of issue; single entry for most visitors
- A modest fee (around $30–35 at the time of writing — confirm the current amount on the official site)
Apply on the official site — and only the official site
Apply at the government portal, etakenya.go.ke. Many copycat sites charge extra to “help” and can be confusing or worse. The official portal is the only one you need. If we are planning your trip, we point you to it and walk you through it.
When to apply
- You can apply up to 90 days before travel, and must apply at least a few days ahead — don’t leave it to the last minute
- Apply once your flights and accommodation are confirmed; the form asks for both
- Approval usually arrives within about 24 to 72 hours, but allow longer for delays
- Our rule of thumb: apply about two to three weeks out, once your trip is booked
What you’ll need on hand
- A passport valid at least six months beyond your arrival date, with a blank page
- A passport-style photo and your passport bio-data page
- Your confirmed flight itinerary and accommodation details
- A payment card for the online fee
When you land
- Carry a printed copy of your approved eTA as well as the digital one
- Your length of stay is set by the immigration officer at entry, within the 90-day window
- Keep your accommodation and itinerary details easy to reach
A note that matters
Entry rules, fees, and timing change, sometimes without much notice. This page is a starting point, not the final word. For every trip we plan, we confirm the current requirement for your route and dates, so you are never leaning on out-of-date information. Health entry requirements, such as vaccinations, are a separate matter — please speak with your doctor or a travel clinic.
Get the free guide:
The Kenya Entry Cheat-Sheet. A printable one-pager to keep with your travel documents. Enter your name and email and we’ll send the PDF straight to your inbox.
Planning a Kenya trip?
If you are dreaming of Amboseli, Samburu, Lake Nakuru or the Maasai Mara, we plan the whole journey one to one — and confirm your entry requirement for your exact dates so nothing is left to chance.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Not the old sticker visa. Since 2024 Kenya uses an online eTA instead, which you must be approved for before you travel.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Kenya?
No. There is no visa-on-arrival fallback — you must have an approved eTA before you board your flight, or you can be denied boarding.
How much does the Kenya eTA cost and how long does it take?
A modest online fee (around $30–35 at the time of writing; confirm on the official portal), usually approved within 24 to 72 hours. Apply a couple of weeks ahead to be safe.
What documents do I need to apply?
A passport valid six months beyond arrival, a passport photo, your bio-data page, and confirmed flight and accommodation details.
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